Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s international career has begun with plenty of attention but only modest returns, as the 15 years old opener continues to search for his first big innings in the ongoing T20I series against England. While the young batter has shown glimpses of his aggressive batting style, England believe careful planning based on his IPL performances has helped them keep him under control.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi made his international debut in Manchester, where he scored 14 runs. He followed it up with 13 runs at Trent Bridge before making 15 off just 10 balls in the fourth T20I at the County Ground in Bristol. Although he has started positively in every innings, he has not been able to convert those starts into a match-defining knock.
India have also found the series challenging. After the opening match was washed out, England won the next two completed games to take an unassailable 2-0 lead.
In Bristol, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi looked dangerous early on. He attacked fast bowler Josh Tongue by hitting a boundary and a six in the second over, raising hopes of a big innings. However, Jofra Archer once again got the better of the young left-hander. Trying to attack his Rajasthan Royals teammate, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi mistimed a lofted shot and was caught by Sam Curran inside the 30-yard circle. Jofra Archer had also dismissed him in the previous T20I at Trent Bridge, leaving the youngster visibly disappointed as he walked back.
England spinner Adil Rashid later explained that the team’s bowlers had studied Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s batting closely using data from the Indian Premier League. He said the team had identified areas where the teenager could be challenged and had worked together to execute those plans during the series.
Adil Rashid also acknowledged the pressure that comes with playing international cricket at just 15 years of age. He felt India had done the right thing by allowing Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to play naturally without placing unnecessary restrictions on his game. According to Adil Rashid, the real test for the youngster will come as he gains more experience, plays in different conditions and learns to adapt during difficult phases of his career.
Former England all-rounder Moeen Ali also backed the teenager despite his slow start. He praised the contest between Jofra Archer and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and said he was not concerned about the manner in which the youngster had been dismissed. Moeen Ali added that the bigger challenge would come if runs did not arrive over the next few matches, but stressed that he still rates Vaibhav Sooryavanshi highly and believes his talent is unquestionable.
The young opener’s performances in England are in sharp contrast to his outstanding IPL 2026 season. Representing Rajasthan Royals, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi scored 776 runs at a remarkable strike rate of 237.30, smashed a tournament-record 72 sixes and finished the season as the Most Valuable Player (MVP), highlighting the immense potential that continues to make him one of India’s brightest young talents.
